Recent rains and warm weather have officials with the Galveston County Health District encouraging people to utilize protection measures in the fight against West Nile virus (WNV).  While WNV can be detected all year long it is most prevalent in the warmer summer months.

West Nile virus is a mosquito borne disease that can cause encephalitis, a brain infection.  Mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people. 

One of the first lines of defense against the illness, health officials say, is using insect repellants containing EPA-registered agents such as DEET or Picaridin.

According to Dr. Dana Beckham, Chief Epidemiologist for the District approximately 80% of people who become infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if a person will develop illness or not.  

Up to 20% of those who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.  

A small number of the people who are infected with WNV, usually elderly people and those with immune system problems like HIV/AIDS or certain cancers, are at greater risk of developing the more severe infection, encephalitis.  

Dr. Beckham stresses that just like other medical conditions, “If you think you have been infected with West Nile virus, contact your healthcare provider.”

Because West Nile virus is now part of our environment, residents are encouraged to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.  Some of the things that can be done include:

•    Removing and emptying any containers that can hold water.  Flowerpots, tires, children’s toys etc.  Birdbath water should be changed at least once a week.
•    Sweep up lawn clipping, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways to keep storm drains working efficiently.
•    Make sure screens and windows and doors are in good condition.
•    Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors, most importantly at dawn and dusk.
•    When outdoors, use an insect repellant containing the chemical compound DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to directions on the label.  Remember the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a repellant with a lower concentration, 10% or less, on children ages 2-12 and make sure an adult applies it. CDC information on repellants can be found at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm.

GCHD in past years has collected dead birds and tested them for the virus to determine when the virus enters the county.  Now that WNV is an annual occurrence and known to be seasonally present in our environment, there is no longer a need to test dead birds. If a person needs to dispose of a dead bird they should avoid direct contact by using gloves or by using an inverted plastic bag to pick up the carcass and place it in a garbage bag to be disposed of in their routine trash.  

County Health Authority Dr. Mark Guidry says, “Our message is still the same.  Be aware of West Nile virus and take precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes.”

For more information the public is encouraged to visit the CDC web site at:  www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ or call Galveston County Health District Epidemiology Services at (409) 938- 2322.